How We See Others Is a Reflection of Ourselves

With the election behind us, here is a useful exercise. What are the top 3 or more values that are important to you. I have written about this before and maybe you already have a list. Mine includes courage, authenticity, gratitude, hope, curiosity, kindness, respect, and connection. 

Next write down a few words to describe what you think of the presidential candidate you didn’t vote for, be it Kamala Harris or Donald Trump (or perhaps both).   

Of course, you have some disagreement about policies, but that is not what I mean here. Focus on the words that come to mind when you think of that person. I am not trying to put words in your head, but have heard people use terms such as evil, stupid, baby killer, and woman hater -- to name a few. 

Given that (1) most people aspire to high values and (2) there is such a strong political divide in our country, I suspect that many who do this exercise will see a gap between their values and how they think about the candidate they didn’t vote for (and perhaps their supporters as well).  

Author Scott Mautz suggests that each of us, “elevate your values to sacred status. . . . do you consistently live by these values and let them guide you? Do you hold your values sacred? Living by your values turns guesses into good decisions. When we go astray from our values, regrets pile up.”  

Reflect on your values  –  and ultimately your heart – and how you think and act toward others. What is in your heart extends to what is in your mind. If there is a gap, what might you want to do differently going forward?  

At the end of the day, how we see others is a reflection of ourselves. 

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Don’t underestimate your impact!